Teen arrested over mass bomb hoax that closed hundreds of schools across UK

The 19-year-old was held in Watford, Hertfordshire, after a chilling ransom note was emailed to schools on Monday

By Ellie Cambridge

21st March 2018, 8:17 pm

Updated: 22nd March 2018, 8:56 am

A TEENAGER has been arrested over a bomb hoax that saw more than 400 schools in England closed.

The 19-year-old was held in Watford, Hertfordshire, after a chilling ransom note was emailed to schools on Monday.

SWNS:South West News Service

Bristol Free School which was on lockdown because of the bomb threat

A National Crime Agency spokesman said: “Hertfordshire police officers, working as part of an NCA-led investigation, arrested a 19-year-old man in Watford on suspicion of blackmail and making malicious communications relating to the hoax bomb threat that closed hundreds of UK schools this week.

“We understand parents’ and teachers’ concerns but stress there was no credible threat to the emails schools received. However we are taking the communications extremely seriously.

“As this is now a live investigation we are unable to comment further.”

BURGER BUNS

Detective Superintendent Tony Cockerill said: "We have spoken to all schools who have contacted us, reassured them that there is no need to evacuate and offered them security advice."

Assistant Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine of Greater Manchester Police said: "I want to reiterate that there is not believed to be any direct threat following these reports which at this stage are believed to be malicious hoax communications."

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